That Thing You Do: Revisiting the Tom Hanks Pop Classic

[@thecastiel69]

Rest in peace Adam Schlesinger, the secret sauce of this movie from Fountains of Wayne!

[@lastguyminn2324]

It's so sad that we lost Schlesinger to COVID.

[@jergervasi3331]

A genius gone WAY too soon.

[@johngoodman7321]

Forgot to mention the late Adam Schlesginer wrote 'That Thing you do' A pop music legend.

[@PaulinaAngel]

Yeah, that pissed me off about this video, not only did Tom Hanks career as a filmmaker was born through this movie, but it really helped out the songwriting career of Adam Schlesinger, who had a great career not only with Fountains Of Wayne and Ivy, but wrote songs for other movies like Josie And The Pussycats, Music And Lyrics and many others.

[@bentonvinyl]

Adam was a true musical genius. FOW + producing and writing multiple hits that were so unique. He's still an inspiration to me...POP!

[@briencampbell1043]

He was amazing. His work for Music and Lyrics was genius.

[@11matt11]

I actually came here because Schlesginer is what I thought the video would be about. But it's a great analysis of the movie. Amazing they somehow struck gold with such a catchy song, as it's essential to the movie.

[@botswana46]

We lost him much too soon!

[@lastguyminn2324]

The title song, written by the late Adam Schlesinger, is the biggest WONDER of all. It had to be something really special to make the story believable...and it's one of the catchiest pop songs I've ever heard. Every time I watch the movie, the song is stuck in my heads on repeat for days...and I don't even mind, in fact I love it!

[@tj3688]

I believe he was inspired by Mitch Murray's "How Do You Do It?" which the Beatles recorded but passed on it. Gerry and the Pacemakers a short time later took it to #1 in the UK.

[@coltonjones9850]

I’m a musician and teacher now, and my dad and I used to watch this on repeat as a kid.

[@Pigbenus]

Same! And I teach my students how to play that thing you do, and encourage parents to let their kids see the movie to see if it inspires them like it did me.

[@TJ_Mc]

Tom also cast his longtime friend and former Bosom Buddies costar, Peter Scolari, as a TV host. This shows Tom remembered where he came from. Great, great movie.

[@joncumber2020]

He cast him (or his voice) in almost everything he did to the end. They had made a pact as struggling actors. Hanks is a true gent.

[@TheMonkeyShowOnline]

Glad you added the 'I quit' scene at the end. That's always stuck out as one of my favorite random, obscure scenes in a movie, and perfectly captures the character in one single moment.

[@be1037]

And he rides it like a pony if you have ever seen his Cameos.

[@md1960md]

That scene performance was ad-libbed by JS as they did a read-through. Hanks liked it so much he incorporated it into the movie.

[@Pigbenus]

My wife and I sing the “I quit song” when responding to the other asking “how was your day at work? sometimes.

[@noahhobson4521]

Both Dick Clark and Casey Kasem said that the song 'That thing you do' would have been a hit in 1964 and the two of them would know.

[@shaindaman13]

This Film is perfect. In every respect. One of my all-time favs.

[@vijlartheodore5563]

on the DVD special features they show all 4 of them learning their instruments and jamming all day every day for a month, and that's what I've always liked most about their performance, they felt like s real band.

[@Autshot20]

Having the actors play their own instruments added so much to the scenes.

[@yuckyool]

Always does (Coal Miner's Daughter and Buddy Holly Story).

[@trinaq]

One of Tom Hanks' most underrated films. The song "That Thing You Do" is insanely catchy, but it plays so many times, that you eventually grow tired of it, befitting of a One Hit Wonder tune.

[@KuLaydMahn]

I actually added that song to my playlist a couple months ago. It's great 😆 But I'm careful not to play it too much

[@randycunningham7318]

I don't think the song is good enough to have been a big hit.

[@brooklynbutter5357]

I always favored the song that they perform on tour where Lenny sings the lead. That song is way more fun than ‘That Thing You Do’

[@sgrey9181]

@@randycunningham7318disagree. In the 60s that would’ve been a huge hit. Listen to any early Beatles or Beach Boys hit and you’ll understand. It has the same catchiness as “Twist and Shout” or “Surfin USA” and you’ll get it.

[@k.s.nichols4060]

I disagree. The greatness of the song is that you don't get sick of it. Hanks et al were smart to include the song in a number of different ways and durations. The song is one of the movie's strengths.

[@rubytuesdayphoenix]

The title song didn't win Best Original Song at the Oscars, sadly. It lost out to some song I've never heard from Evita. That Thing You Do absolutely should have won, though

[@gmb858]

We caught wind that the movie was being filmed in the city of Orange, California. We drove there from down the road in Irvine to check out the street scene. Hanks and his crew were filming inside the appliance store. The set designers had done a great job in authenticating the store fronts up and down the street. All the cars from the 60's were detailed and dent free, which was an accomplishment all its own. The extras milled around near their places. Costuming was surprising to me, all well tailored and well made, not shoddy or second rate. I was in my teens in the 60's so being at that scene was like a time warp in a way. The production nailed every aspect of the period piece. We hung around a few hours hoping to see the outdoor action sequence with the extras performing in their roles to the main characters. Although it was a golden California day in February, we decided to move on having absorbed all we could. We went to the opening night in Irvine; we had marked the calendar when we saw the ad. Valarie and I had a lot of fun and thought it was great. I hadn't heard that there was an extended version, which, may be okay for some, but we liked the original- the story was nice and tidy and wrapped up in a good conclusion.

[@mikeedward9595]

Can’t believe you didn’t give a mention to Fountains of Wayne’s Adam Schlesinger for writing the title track.

[@charlespuruncajas9663]

Liv Tyler has been in 5 of my all time favorite soundtracks made for movies: - That Thing You Do - Armageddon (for "I don't wanna miss a thing") - Every final song in the Lord of Rings Trilogy (the Enya one, Emiliana Torrini, Annie Lennox)

[@kalphil4385]

She was in Empire Records which also has a great soundtrack

[@rebeccag8589]

​@@kalphil4385 came here to say this!

[@obsidian00]

One of my all time favorite movies...I remember watching this opening weekend up in Seattle when I was still serving in the NAVY. I was also in my Liv Tyler phase back then! 😩

[@RHGarciaApr85]

This movie is a family favorite of mine, along with another Hanks film, A League of Their Own. Man, we were lucky in the 90s to have such films with wide appeal.

[@brianteal7898]

This is one of my all-time favorite movies. I was 15 in 1964 and was part of a garage band called "The Spiders". The scene in the garage was a total flashback. The instruments they played were perfect period pieces. Someone really did their homework to select them. What blew my mind was the amplifier they used. It was a Heathkit! You bought it as a kit and put it together at home. You could not buy it assembled. The entire movie was just as authentic as that, The downtown scenes looked just like Monroe Michigan in 1964. Whenever I am homesick, I watch this movie. Thanks Tom Hanks!

[@edhirt1020]

Liv Tyler’s character is special. She creates someone you would really like to be best friends with.

[@patricksullivan4329]

She was the best thing in the movie. That and the efficiency with which Hanks moves the narrative.

[@PNWRideAlongs]

​@@patricksullivan4329 Bill Cobbs was great also, but Lenny is my fave

[@gregjohnson7270]

I loved the movie, I was the drummer in a local band in a tiny town in SE Kansas, so we never did anything beyond local gigs. But we tried to write a few original songs but they weren't very good. That Thing You Do! brought back all the memories of nights on the road from place to place. So much fun!!

[@marcochimio]

I can't enough good about this film. I've watched it about 20 times and I still notice new little tidbits each time. The writing, the casting, the acting, the music (of course) are all spectacular. Maybe, it has a flaw, but I can't think of one.

[@Omar-wq9dz]

An under appreciated film more people should watch, with some really catchy songs

[@stevebills5716]

There's a version with an extra half an hour and no-one's thought to tell me that before??

[@bobbyshroyer440]

It has to do with Tom Hanks character being gay...

[@ScottJ794]

they never actually say he's gay

[@scottwilson3741]

I used to rent this all the time from my local video store. Incredible movie and at a time when Grunge was still the big thing, although on a downward turn, the music just hooked you

[@TomMSTie1138]

I adore this movie but never knew there was a extended cut. I immediately went to Amazon and bought the first copy I found. Thank you!

[@jamescpotter]

It's a classic that is as fresh today as it was in 1996 and will be 20 years down the road. It captures the mood of the mid 60's and every kid's burning desire to be the next Beatles. Back in 64' millions of kids formed bands but quickly abandoned this dream because it required WORK! And discipline. Thank goodness I stuck it out because I love playing music. It's no different than The Wonders desire to accomplish the same goal. Become a successful band. IF you have the heart to stick it out.

[@gmb858]

soon to be 30 years down the road.

[@anadraham2995]

I think that's one of the things i adore about joblo vids - they don't attempt to hide how much they love a movie🕺

[@SuperFlyCarp]

One of the greatest movies ever made, plain and simple.

[@adamrichards3174]

One of my favorite movies. The talent contest when everything comes together for the first time... brilliant.

[@jjalcazar23]

Great film I remember a fun time watching it with my Dad - who had a similar band and story back in the 60s - I remember that moment with this film as a great father and son story.

[@janetaldrich7747]

"Little Wild One" and "Dance With Me" are great songs, too.

[@namberak]

Anyone in my age group who was in a garage band likes or loves this flick. I love it; in fact after having watched this vid, I'm going to view it again this evening. My garage band-- Bedlam-- wasn't broken up by the characteristics of the music industry. It was broken up by seeing The Who on my birthday in Greenwich Village. Four guys immediately decided to go in four different musical directions. :-)

[@aronkelley8634]

Totally relatable for the story of my band. We wanted different things too.

[@josealmeida2842]

When the trailer first came out I didn’t seem like my kind of movie. But as HBO would run this over and over I found myself glued to this film! Especially since one of my friends in school was a drummer, whose band got signed with Atlantic Records! In fact the first time I saw this movie was right before I went out to see one of his shows for the first time and I thought, “Is someone trying to tell me something here?” 😅

[@taylormade410]

A spot on period movie that checks all the boxes. "That thing you do" was the hit single but "Little Wild One" was my favorite song from the soundtrack. Well Done Tom!!!

[@shyak01]

watched it in the 90's, 2000's, 2010's and will still continue to watch it in 2020's and beyond!

[@CardDontShoot]

There's something magical about watching the song FINALLY get on the radio after so much build up. Movie is phenomenal.

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

one of my top 5 favorite movies of all time - unquestionably. it’s the first movie I remember seeing in theaters. I was obsessed with it, and my aunt gave me the VHS for my 7th birthday. I wore that tape OUT.

[@stephenmyers6454]

One cool detail in this film is that you see the band grow as their success grows. In the montage playing the fairs, they upgrade their equipment(guitars) so as to sound better on stage. I'm going to go play the soundtrack..... for the millionth time.

[@stevemoody13]

I love this film so much! One of those I watch every time I see it on.

[@GregBurns-j4v]

Thanks for your enthusiastic review of this amazing movie! A couple of years ago I accidentally wandered into an Irish pub which was hosting a karaoke night. Shortly after I arrived, a really young guy (perhaps too young to be in a bar?!) began singing "That Thing You Do" incredibly well, and the crowd was going wild. I even caught myself doing the "mashed potato". Oops! 😊 Believe I may have been the only person there besides him that ever heard that tune. Always run home to play the DVD when I am having a lousy day. Makes me happy! As happy as Tina is when her ultra humpy dentist is, um, drilling her! 😁

[@kimmiller4951]

Love this film. I have watched it too many times to count and always enjoy the music and story. Good overview. Thanks.

[@benjsmithproductions]

Easily the most impressive part is the music. A movie about the 1960s music scene and you can't use any pre-exitsting songs..... so they basically re-create the whole landscape with original songs, and they all sound like thy could be deep cuts we all missed, mimicking everything from Miles Davis, to the Beach Boys to the Supreme to TV show themes to Teen Beach movies, etc. Soundtrack could was as Oscar-worthy as the title song.

[@rogermurry740]

Something the movie does to reduce the negative impact of the repetition is to stage the performances in different contexts to pull our focus. From the first talent show, to producing the record in the church, the band members hearing their song for the first time on the radio, to the ultimate experience of being on national TV and how it was broadcast, the surrounding events gives us things to see and hear beyond the song itself. To me the song is plenty good enough to stand up to multiple hearings because of this.

[@BigAL68xyz]

I like this movie a lot. And I love the soundtrack even more. The liner notes describe each track as if the fictional story of the film were real. The term "world-building" is normally used for scifi and fantasy films, but I think it perfectly describes the way the backstories of this film were put together, and they did a terrific job of it.

[@tooth2k]

Tom Hanks absolutely nailed that moment in history, if you’re old enough to have been there, the way Adam Sandler nailed the whacky MTV early 80s in “The Wedding Singer”. YOU HAD TO BE THERE….

[@lindagroome4525]

Love this movie Tom hanks is my favourite actor and thus movie made me love him even more shows how talented he is that he wrote and directed it too

[@carlericpickett597]

Great film. Soundtrack is just FANTASTIC. Rivals any Disney movie songs. They still should go on tour. Lol.

[@agdmills]

Bryan Cranston was in this as well as the astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom. One of my all time favorite movies. It's out of this world!

[@SpaceViper]

I rewatched this movie yesterday after a long time and I it’s as great as I remember. If you haven’t checked out That Thing You Do! you NEED to!! Great video!!

[@sumhurabi]

I love this movie and even bought the DVD at the time with all the outtakes. Thank you JoBlo for popping out of nowhere (thanks to the YT algo) and giving me a trip down memory lane!

[@bobbard6008]

I loved the film the very first time I saw it in 1996. And curiously enough, the film predates by about ten years my son Kevin's experience with a band he and his buddies formed in high school. Though his group didn't share the level of success the "Wonders" experienced, it made watching him and his songs make a smaller, but still very exciting splash (for both my son and me) in the music world, before he eventually built himself a career in the industry. Thanks for this very enjoyable review--it's revived my appetite for another viewing. 😎🎼

[@ericwalker8636]

I've seen this movie countless times as well and I haven't grown tired of it. I enjoy everything about it and I agree with everything you said... except, the young lady that Lenny married in Vegas was the receptionist at Playtone Records, not a flight attendant.

[@fw1421]

i love this film and have the soundtrack on my phone to this day. i grew up in the 60's and love the change in music from the late 50's on into the 80's. A magical time to be a young American.

[@bradparnell614]

My favorite Tom Hanks movie

[@stuartbryson8819]

This is definitely one of the best films, the story and music fit together effortlessly, and I love how it's about these characters who just happened to be in the right band at the right time.

[@sambrown7706]

Still listen to the music and have watched this movie so many times, my friends and I still quote it. Didn't know it was his 1st doctoral director movie. Hit it out of the park!

[@jagathon777]

Every time we watch this my whole family laughs out loud and we love all the songs from this fantastic movie. Sad to say: They don't make them like this anymore!

[@davidhooie4692]

Thanks for mentioning the Extended Cut, it truly makes a great movie even BETTER! It's the only version I watch now!

[@JJP316]

Hanks cast this film perfectly, down to the smallest roles. Art direction/costumes are indeed terrific. Extended version highly recommended. Answers questions you might have in the theatrical release.

[@jenshoe]

Never knew there was an extended version. Went right over to Amazon and rented it. Loved the extended version. Definitely one of my favorite movies that I watch anytime it is on.

[@SilentHERO85]

Loved this movie from first watch, was super excited when I saw the extended cut. One of my favorite soundtracks that gets rotation year round. Grew up loving oldies, this one fits right in there.

[@thebiggoodwolf2815]

Glad to see I’m not the only one who loves this movie,it’s one I never hear anyone talking about it. And I personally have Joe vs. the Volcano as my number one Tom Hanks, I love how he goes from meek “joe” to confident Joe!

[@petersarubbi]

Will always love this movie and the soundtrack ❤ And if you can... watch the extended cut... adds in the deleted scenes... fleshes out the story even more... And I love how he modeled their style and music after The Dave Clark Five... not The Beatles... Tom Hanks is a huge fan of theirs and they are my favorite from The British Invasion era... All My Only Dreams is a pure Dave Clark Five ballad 💙

[@michaelherskovitz]

I just got the extended version of this movie. It really fleshes out the story wonderfully.

[@tmoore4075]

"As in I WONDER what happened to the Oneders?" I always thought that was a great line.

[@cogman62]

“I’m signing, you’re signing, we’re all signing!”-Lenny

[@joncumber2020]

Wonderful movie. Loving attention to details and the plot and pacing never dips. Very witty - which is quite rare for American films. Extended version is also great.

[@JesseJones-zg2xt]

Honestly...it's my favorite movie. Have the extended cut. I've lived quite a few of these scenes. The day their song gets on the radio really takes me back. Love it!

[@nick_knows_stuff]

It is near impossible for a writing and directorial debut to get so much acclaim

[@jenniferri7735]

i ADORE this film and have recommended it to i don’t even know how many people. i so wish more first-time reactors here on youtube would do it. worked at a video rental store for a year or so in the late 90s and we had our choice of what to play on the TVs during our shifts (had to be PG or under), and i played this one at least twice a week. got plenty of folks to rent it too!

[@tubejohn27]

You nailed all the good stuff this movie presents. One of my favorites, too. Not bad for a debut piece, Mr. Hanks!😎

[@Brimsy]

i still say " i play a lot of cards.....obviously " whenever im doing something poorly

[@brucepeterson9068]

One of my all time favorite movies...I grew up in the 60's and this movie told the story of my youth. An iconic movie!

[@jimwitty8110]

This is in my top 3 movies. I watched it in the theater 5 times when it came out. I have also watched it umpteen times since then on dvd. I wish some of the songs in tyhe movi were on a special soundtrack-The trio of women singing I Can See The River, the Oneders rehearsal in the garage, and a 'lost' song I once saw here on KZbin, but I cannot remember the title. Long Live That Thing You Do!!!

[@ronheath5724]

I too have seen this film hundreds of times and I get just às excited today as i did the first time bach in 96

[@Jason_wears_stuff]

I watch it atleast twice a year ! And it’s my special favorite movie of all time and you’re right it’s just perfect ! Thank you for doing this video man !

[@b.a.9356]

An amazing film. Although for gear heads, one scene the zildjian cymbals that had a close up were “hollow” zildjian logos. These weren’t available until ‘78.

[@chrisb9740]

Fantastic movie that I too must have seen 100 times. One of my absolute favorites. Great video.

[@wstine79]

This was a fun movie I saw in high school. The cast had great chemistry with each other. Sean Whalen's Heckler/ Fan was my favorite character.

[@joebivona5590]

Absolutely great move. One of my all-time favorites!

[@guillermolinares4818]

I agree with the video 100%. For me and my daughter is one of those rare movies we can watch again and again any day. I didn't know there was an extended version; need to check that out.

[@discman15]

One of my very favorite movies. Huge charm, warm and sincere. Laugh my ass off

[@tom_reagan]

My favorite feel-good movie. I’ll have to watch the extended edition again, I forgot about Guy getting a job in LA (with Clint Howard’s DJ character, right?).

[@jonathanwright8025]

This soundtrack was the first CD I bought.

[@angielossner9867]

Loved it! Even choreographed a solo routine to it for state competition in high school. Didn't win but I had fun dressing as shades!

[@brenttaylor1866]

Always thought there should be an award (like an Oscar) for best scene (show stoppers). Two always come to mind. One, in A Walk To Remember, when the transformed Mandy Moore character (Jaime) sings in the school play. And Liv Tyler running down the street when hearing their song on the radio. Chills.

[@yuckyool]

Great video about a great film (by several amazing film-makers). Erie PA! Yes, I will seek the extended cut and see that next.

[@Autshot20]

Great movie. The casting of the characters was perfect. Did a great job creating the setting of the times. Early 60's scenes, music, wardrobe, etc. is excellent. Even the story of a 'one hit wonder' nails it.

[@chrisg2214]

I saw this movie in 8th grade and thought it would be cool to be in a band. I've been a musician in bands since 2000 and make my living as an audio engineer and this movie is a part in that. It planted the seed.

[@flounder31]

Saw it in the theater in '96. Loved it from the word Go, and still do. HIGHLY recommend the extended cut, to any fan of this film.

[@CyclingM1867]

One of my favourite movies, although I was unaware of the extended version. I'll have to look for that.

[@thelittleskipper4794]

I could watch this film forever...it just brings joy to my soul🎉

[@DiecastNewb]

I LOVE this movie. You hit the nail on the head with your assessment. Loved the style, songs, pace, actors, well, everything. Need to check out the extended edition. Don't think I've seen it.

[@CrazyBunny123]

I first watched the trailer for this movie on the truth about cats and dogs on vhs. I was curious, so I rented it, and I love this movie ever since. If you like this movie, I also recommend Linda Linda, a Japanese movie.

[@196cupcake]

When Steve Zahn was on Treme I knew I had seen him somewhere, but just couldn't put my finger on it.

[@janetaldrich7747]

So you onedered who he was? 😁

[@chefbanjo8139]

This movie gets quoted around with my family all the time. God bless our poor friend Tina, because she exclusively gets lovingly referred to as “That Tina Woman” when it’s just us.

[@rickluque6429]

I agree with you.. this movie surprised me at the theater. Fantastic , funny , sad and Awesome ! Loved it . Thanks for your sharing your video 👍👍

[@WaydeKillmeyer]

Great movie that never made it as big as it should have. Also as charming and poppy as the music is, you're doing a disservice if you don't pay attention to the dialogue, which is stellar.

[@mzens1]

One of my all-time favorite movies! I disagree with your characterization of Jimmy, though - I don’t think he was motivated by fame or financial gain, but rather by wanting to make introspective, thoughtful music (when they get their Playtone record he turns it over to look at All My Only Dreams rather than embracing their mega hit on the A side). He was a total toolbox about it though. Great video!

[@amherst88]

Well done -- love this film also, it's close to flawless -- and, as someone who grew up during this period, it's a time capsule for what it was actually like -- if you knew the music on AM radio you could absolutely spot who he was representing with the other musicians -- time well spent, even 100 watches worth.

[@johnhoover3345]

I Love this movie and always have! I've watched it too many times to count. Thanks for this review. Tunes are incredibly catchy and smooth and all my iPod's have the Soundtrack on them. The movie itself is filled with great dialogue and interactions and the acting is very believable. Hell, he even got Mo Green to play the head of the Label! Couldn't believe they even mentioned Suzanne Pleshette!